Andrew George Hudec Jr.

Andrew "Andy" G. Hudec, Jr., 77, passed away on July 31, 2026. Born on December 19, 1948, in Port Clinton, Ohio, he was the son of Andrew and Thelma (Runion) Hudec.

Andy graduated from Port Clinton High School before pursuing higher education in engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Ohio Northern University in 1971 and later received a Master of Science in Engineering from Purdue University in 1976. Throughout his career, Andy was recognized as a respected engineer and leader. He spent more than 16 years with U.S. Steel in engineering and supervisory roles before joining Materion (formerly Brush Wellman), where he worked for over 17 years. He retired in 2014 as Director of Engineering, leaving a legacy of professionalism and innovation.

In 1970, Andy married Charla Steffens. Together they raised two children, Jennifer and Christopher, and shared a commitment to faith, family, and community service. They were active members of St. John Lutheran Church in Williston and dedicated volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America. Charla preceded him in death in 2005.

Few organizations held a more special place in Andy's heart than the Boy Scouts of America. Having earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1962, he devoted much of his life to Scouting and to helping young people develop leadership, character, and confidence. Over the years, he served in numerous roles, including Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Troop 385, District Committee Member of Eagle Bay District 04, Council Member-at-Large, Council Executive Board Member, Council Advisory Member, and most recently Executive Board Member of Erie Shores Council 460. His dedicated service was recognized through numerous honors, including the Silver Beaver Award, Vigil Honor, Distinguished Commissioner Service Award, James E. West Fellowship Award, and the Gregory A. Hendel Lifetime Service Award. Through his leadership, guidance, and example, Andy positively influenced generations of Scouts and Scouting families.

Andy was fortunate to find love again when he married Sandra (Emery) Hudec. Together they spent 20 years filled with family, friendship, and adventure. They especially enjoyed traveling and cruising, collecting countless stories and memories from destinations around the world, including Saint Petersburg, Russia, as well as spending winters in Florida. Andy found joy in the outdoors, stamp and coin collecting, and cooking. Among his many treasured relationships was the special bond he shared with his grandson, Simon. Passing along his love of Ford trucks to Simon was one of the many connections they shared and one that brought Andy immense pride and happiness.

Andy will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his commitment to service, his leadership within Scouting, and his generous spirit. His influence will continue to be felt through the many lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and community leader.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Thelma Hudec, and his first wife, Charla Hudec.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Hudec; his children, Jennifer (David) Gottwald and Christopher Hudec; his grandson, Simon Gottwald; brother Carl Hudec; and many extended family members, friends, and fellow Scouters who will deeply miss him.

The family will receive visitors to celebrate and remember Andy at Robinson Walker Funeral Home, 501 West Street, Genoa, Ohio, on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Saturday, August 8, from 10 AM - 11 AM. Funeral service Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 AM at the funeral with internment to follow at Clay Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made in Andy's memory to Erie Shores Council, Scouting America in honor of his love of The Boy Scouts of America.

Andy's life was marked by service, integrity, and a genuine concern for others. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, and love.